A former Illinois resident now living in Florida faces federal charges after authorities alleged he cheated investors out of at least $180,000 through a phony investment scheme.
Makaio’ Kekoa, 39, of Wimauma, Florida, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud in the U.S. District Court in Chicago. Kekoa, who was previously known as Lorenzo Hood, Lorenzo Chryssikos Hood, or “Zo,” pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors allege that from 2019 to 2022, Kekoa falsely promised victims—including four people living in the Northern District of Illinois—that he could place their money into short-term, high-yield opportunities.
According to the indictment, those opportunities never existed. Instead, authorities say Kekoa diverted the funds to cover personal expenses, including gambling.
The charges were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kartik K. Raman is leading the prosecution.
A status hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 24, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin.
Each wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, along with court-ordered restitution if convicted. An indictment is a formal accusation and does not serve as evidence of guilt; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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